Chairman Scott Praises House Passage of Dignity in Aging Act

On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass the Dignity in Aging Act. The bipartisan proposal reauthorizes the Older Americans Act (OAA) that increases funding for vital programs that help aging Americans live independently and with dignity. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor , was among those applauding the passage. The OAA currently serves approximately 11 million older Americans, including three million seniors who regularly rely on OAA programs to meet their most basic needs. Specifically, the bill authorizes a 7 percent funding increase for OAA programs in the first year, then annual 6 percent hikes in the following years; establishes a National Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation Center for the Aging Network in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of HHS; and provides more tailored support to family caregivers who play a vital role in helping Americans maintain their independence as much as possible. It also puts greater emphasis on addressing social isolation among seniors by empowering local organizations to test solutions.